Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatment
Dental Solutions for TMJ Disorders & Pain in Ventura County
Are you suffering pain or discomfort around your jaw? If the pain originates
around the region between your jaw and ears, you may be suffering from
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, also known as TMD. The causes of TMD are many—a whiplash injury
could cause TMD, but so can teeth grinding or an imbalanced bite surface.
In any case, our dentists in Ventura are experienced with handling all
kinds of dental-related health issues, including TMD.
Discuss your jaw pain with our team and determine whether your TMJ is causing
the trouble. Whether surgery, bite alignment, or another treatment procedure
may be necessary, our dentists may help you take the next step.
Contact Mark Weitzman D.D.S. in Ventura County today!
The Causes & Symptoms of TMD
Although it’s not entirely clear what causes temporomandibular disorders,
dentists and other medical professionals believe that TMD symptoms arise
from problems with the jaw muscles. Pains, locks, movement difficulty,
and other symptoms can result from a number of different causes.
Common causes of TMD pain and discomfort include the following:
- Arthritis
- Facial tightening induced by stress
- Grinding/clenching teeth
- Soft tissue movement between joint
Identifying TMD is just as important as treating it. Misdiagnosing a dental
issue comes with risks like any other health misdiagnosis. TMD may share
symptoms with other health issues. This is why it is important to get
an examination from a medical professional.
Common symptoms of temporomandibular disorders include:
- Jaw locks or gets stuck in a position
- Jaw makes sounds (grating, popping, clicking, etc.)
- Pain/tenderness in face, jaw, neck, shoulders
- Swelling on the jaw/face
- Trouble chewing, speaking, or opening mouth
Diagnosing & Treating TMD in Ventura
At Ventura County Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, our team of dentists will
carefully assess a patient’s symptoms in order to determine the
cause of pain and discomfort. Many symptoms of TMD are also exhibited
in dental troubles like gum disease, sinus issues, and tooth decay.
To determine an effective dental treatment, we perform bite tests and take
X-rays in order to rule out any other potential problems. In some cases,
an oral surgeon may be required to remedy the issue—in these situations,
it is not in your interest or ours to waste your time and put your health
further at risk.
We use more than 15 years of experience to administer effective patient care.
When TMD may be corrected through dental work, our team helps by balancing
the biting surface of your teeth and eliminating dental hazards that may
be causing symptoms. We may prescribe medication for pain and swelling,
and administer night guards for clenching and grinding.